The Los Angeles Chargers have been in discussions with All-Pro safety Derwin James on a contract extension. Back in April, it was reported that both James and the Chargers were “cautiously optimistic” about an extension getting done before the start of the season.
Just three months later, that positive outlook on the contract negotiations appears to still be there. With NFL training camps around the corner, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Chargers are “optimistic” they'll reach a contract extension with Derwin James.
But that's not all.
The Chargers are optimistic they will reach a extension with star safety Derwin James, per sources. Players reporting to camp Tuesday could create urgency. Expectation from some in league is James, a 2023 FA and engine for L.A. defense, will be league’s highest-paid safety.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 20, 2022
Per Fowler, players reporting to NFL training camps on Tuesday could “create urgency” in the Chargers' contract discussions with Derwin James. A 2023 free agent, the Chargers All-Pro is expected to become the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
It wouldn't be surprising to see that happen. In three seasons, James has made the Pro Bowl twice and has been named an All-Pro once. The Chargers star has twice totaled over 100 tackles and three interceptions in a season.
The only downside to paying James big money is the health risks he's shown since entering the league. He missed the entire 2020 season with a knee injury, then was sidelined for a chunk of time in 2019 due to a stress fracture in his foot.
Still, one would be hard-pressed to find a safety who can affect a game in as many different ways as James can. Plus, the Chargers star, who sat out minicamp after he underwent labrum surgery, should be fully healthy at NFL training camp.
Perhaps Derwin James will be signing the dotted line on a record contract soon, too.
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